John Jacob Rivardi

John Jacob Ulrich Rivardi, was appointed temporary engineer in the service of the U.S. for the purpose of fortifying the ports and harbors at Baltimore, Alexandria, & Norfolk.

Additional Description

French born John Jacob Ulrich Rivardi was appointed by Henry Knox, then Secretary of War under President Washington, to build forts to protect both Norfolk, Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland. Rivardi was instructed to place the highest priority on Norfolk as the threat from foreign attack was greater there.